U.S. patent application number 16/008062 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-25 for pixel structure and driving method capable of switching display mode.
This patent application is currently assigned to Au Optronics Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Au Optronics Corporation. Invention is credited to Wei-Ming Cheng, Min-Hsuan Chiu, Seok-Lyul Lee, Syuan-Ling Yang.
Application Number | 20190227398 16/008062 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62746694 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190227398 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheng; Wei-Ming ; et
al. |
July 25, 2019 |
PIXEL STRUCTURE AND DRIVING METHOD CAPABLE OF SWITCHING DISPLAY
MODE
Abstract
A pixel structure and a driving method are provided. The pixel
structure includes a scan line, a first data line, a second data
line, a first switching element, a second switching element, a
common electrode, a first electrode and a second electrode. The
first switching element is electrically connected with the scan
line, the first data line and the first electrode. The second
switching element is electrically connected with the second data
line and the second electrode. The common electrode includes two
first body portions and at least two first branch portions. The
first electrode includes a second body portion and at least two
second branch portions. The second electrode includes at least two
main portions and at least one bridge portion. The at least one
bridge portion overlaps at least one of the first branch portions
in a projection direction.
Inventors: |
Cheng; Wei-Ming; (Taipei
City, TW) ; Chiu; Min-Hsuan; (Taipei City, TW)
; Yang; Syuan-Ling; (Kaohsiung City, TW) ; Lee;
Seok-Lyul; (Hsinchu City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Au Optronics Corporation |
Hsinchu |
|
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
Au Optronics Corporation
Hsinchu
TW
|
Family ID: |
62746694 |
Appl. No.: |
16/008062 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 2330/021 20130101;
G09G 3/3655 20130101; G02F 1/136286 20130101; G09G 2300/0426
20130101; H01L 27/124 20130101; G02F 1/1368 20130101; G09G
2300/0439 20130101; G02F 1/136209 20130101; G02F 1/134309 20130101;
G09G 2320/0252 20130101; G02F 1/134363 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/1362 20060101
G02F001/1362; H01L 27/12 20060101 H01L027/12; G02F 1/1368 20060101
G02F001/1368; G02F 1/1343 20060101 G02F001/1343; G09G 3/36 20060101
G09G003/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 24, 2018 |
TW |
107102545 |
Claims
1. A pixel structure, comprising: a scan line, a first data line
and a second data line, wherein each of the first data line and the
second data line substantially extends in a first direction; a
first switching element, electrically connected with the scan line
and the first data line; a second switching element, electrically
connected with the second data line; a common electrode,
comprising: a plurality of first body portions, substantially
extending in the first direction; and a plurality of first branch
portions, respectively connected to corresponding ones of the first
body portions; a first electrode, electrically connected to the
first switching element, the first electrode comprising: a second
body portion, located between the first body portions, and
substantially extending in the first direction; and a plurality of
second branch portions, electrically connected to two sides of the
second body portion and extending outwards therefrom; and a second
electrode, electrically connected to the second switching element,
the second electrode comprising: a plurality of main portions,
substantially extending in the first direction; and at least one
bridge portion, electrically connected to the main portions,
wherein the at least one bridge portion overlaps at least one of
the first branch portions in a projection direction, and the least
one bridge portion does not overlap at least one of the second
branch portions in the projection direction.
2. The pixel structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one bridge portion exposes a portion of the first branch portions
in the projection direction.
3. The pixel structure according to claim 1, wherein the common
electrode and the first electrode are formed by a same patterned
conductive layer, the first body portions of the common electrode
are electrically connected by an intermediary portion, and a length
of the intermediary portion is greater than a length of one or each
of the first branch portions.
4. The pixel structure according to claim 1, wherein a width of
each of the first branch portions gradually decreases along a
direction away from a corresponding one of the first body
portions.
5. The pixel structure according to claim 1, wherein one or each of
the second branch portions comprises: an extending portion,
substantially extending in a second direction, the second direction
substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a trapezoid
structure, connected between the second body portion and the
extending portion, a width of the trapezoid structure gradually
increases along a direction away from the second body portion.
6. The pixel structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one bridge portion comprising: a plurality of main connecting
portions electrically connected to each other, each of the main
connecting portions comprising: a first connecting portion, a
second connecting portion and a third connecting portion
sequentially connected, wherein the first connecting portion is
connected to a corresponding one of the main portions, an extending
direction of the second connecting portion is different from an
extending direction of the third connecting portion.
7. The pixel structure according to claim 6, wherein the third
connecting portions of the main connecting portions connect with
each other to form a convex portion and a concave portion
overlapping the second body portion in the projection direction and
substantially arranged along the first direction, wherein each of
the main portions overlaps the first data line or the second data
line in the projection direction, and wherein the first body
portion is apart from an adjacent one of the main portions by a
distance of 0 microns to 10 microns.
8. The pixel structure according to claim 6, wherein one of the
first connecting portions has an extending direction different from
that of the second connecting portion connected thereto.
9. The pixel structure according to claim 6, wherein a width of one
of the second connecting portion gradually decreases along a
direction approaching the third connecting portion connected
thereto.
10. A pixel structure, comprising: a scan line, a first data line
and a second data line, wherein the first data line and the second
data line substantially extend in a first direction; a first
switching element, electrically connected with the scan line and
the first data line; a second switching element, electrically
connected with the second data line; a common electrode,
comprising: a first body portion, substantially extending in the
first direction; and a plurality of first branch portions,
connected to the first body portion; a first electrode,
electrically connected to the first switching element, the first
electrode comprising: a second body portion; and a plurality of
second branch portions, connected to the second body portion,
wherein the first branch portions and the second branch portions
are substantially located between the first body portion and the
second body portion, and the first branch portions and the second
branch portions are alternately arranged in the first direction;
and a second electrode, electrically connected to the second
switching element, the second electrode comprising: a plurality of
main portions, substantially extending in the first direction; and
at least one bridge portion, connected to the main portions,
wherein the at least one bridge portion and at least one of the
first branch portions overlap in a projection direction.
11. The pixel structure according to claim 10, wherein the at least
one bridge portion exposes a portion of the first branch portions
in the projection direction.
12. The pixel structure according to claim 10, wherein the common
electrode and the first electrode are formed by a same patterned
conductive layer.
13. The pixel structure according to claim 10, wherein a shape of
each of the first branch portions comprises a trapezoid, and a
width of each of the first branch portions gradually decreases
along a direction away from the first body portion.
14. The pixel structure according to claim 10, wherein the at least
one bridge portion comprises a first connecting portion and a
second connecting portion sequentially connected, wherein the first
connecting portion is closer to the first body portion than the
second connecting portion, and a width of the second connecting
portion gradually decreases along a direction away from the first
body portion.
15. The pixel structure according to claim 14, wherein an extending
direction of the first connecting portion is different from an
extending direction of the second connecting portion.
16. The pixel structure according to claim 10, wherein the at least
one bridge portion and the second branch portions do not overlap in
the projection direction.
17. A driving method capable of switching display modes,
comprising: providing a display device, the display device
comprises at least one pixel structure according to claim 1;
performing a fast mode, comprising: applying a first voltage to the
at least one first electrode, and not applying the first voltage to
the at least one second electrode and the common electrode; and
performing a general mode, comprising: applying a second voltage to
the at least one second electrode, and not applying the second
voltage to the at least one first electrode and the common
electrode.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the first voltage is
approximately equal to the second voltage.
19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the step of
performing the fast mode further comprises: applying a third
voltage to the at least one second electrode and the at least one
common electrode.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the first voltage is
greater than 0 volts and smaller than 7 volts, the second voltage
is 0 volts, and the third voltage is 0 volts.
21. The method according to claim 17, wherein the step of
performing the general mode further comprises: applying a third
voltage to the at least one first electrode and the at least one
common electrode.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the first voltage is
0 volts, the second voltage is 0 volts, and the third voltage is
greater than 0 volts and smaller than 7 volts.
23. The method according to claim 17, wherein the power consumption
of the general mode is lower than the power consumption of the fast
mode.
24. A driving method capable of switching display modes,
comprising: providing a display device, the display device
comprises at least one pixel structure according to claim 10;
performing a fast mode, comprising: applying a first voltage to the
at least one first electrode, and not applying the first voltage to
the at least one second electrode and the common electrode; and
performing a general mode, comprising: applying a second voltage to
the at least one second electrode, and not applying the second
voltage to the at least one first electrode and the common
electrode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of Taiwan
application serial no. 107102545, filed on Jan. 24, 2018. The
entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby
incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this
specification.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a pixel structure, and particularly
relates to a pixel structure having a common electrode, a first
electrode and a second electrode, and a driving method capable of
switching display modes.
Description of Related Art
[0003] With advances in technology, demands for performance of
display apparatuses have been gradually increasing, especially
virtual reality (VR) display apparatuses, augmented reality (AR)
display apparatuses and so on. How to shorten liquid crystal
response time is particularly important in order to avoid image
delay.
[0004] However, while shortening liquid crystal response time, a
light transmittance of a pixel structure in a display apparatus is
often sacrificed. In order for the display apparatus to display a
screen with sufficient brightness, more power is required to be
provided to the backlight module of the display apparatus.
Therefore, there is a need to solve the aforementioned problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention provides a pixel structure, adapted to perform
an operation mode for shortening liquid crystal response time and
an operation mode for high transmittance. Therefore, the operation
mode for high transmittance may be performed under the situation
when fast liquid crystal response time is not required so as to
save power consumption.
[0006] The invention provides a driving method capable of switching
display modes including a fast mode for short response time of
liquid crystal and a general mode for high transmittance.
Therefore, the general mode for high transmittance may be performed
under the situation when fast liquid crystal response time is not
required so as to save power consumption.
[0007] At least one embodiment of the invention provides a pixel
structure. The pixel structure includes a scan line, a first data
line, a second data line, a first switching element, a second
switching element, a common electrode, a first electrode and a
second electrode. The first data line and the second data line
extend substantially in a first direction. The first switching
element is electrically connected to the scan line and the first
data line. The second switching element and the second data line
are electrically connected. The common electrode includes first
body portions and first branch portions. The first body portions
extend substantially in the first direction. The first branch
portions are respectively connected to the corresponding first body
portions. The first electrode is electrically connected to the
first switching element. The first electrode includes a second body
portion and second branch portions. The second body portion is
located between the first body portions and extends substantially
in the first direction. At least two second branch portions are
correspondingly electrically connected to two sides of the second
body portion and extend outwards. The second electrode is
electrically connected to the second switching element. The second
electrode includes main portions and at least one bridge portion.
The main portions extend substantially in the first direction. The
at least one bridge portion is electrically connected to the main
portions and overlaps at least one of the first branch portions in
a projection direction. The at least one bridge portion does not
overlap at least one of the second branch portions in the
projection direction.
[0008] At least one embodiment of the invention provides a pixel
structure. The pixel structure includes a scan line, a first data
line, a second data line, a first switching element, a second
switching element, a common electrode, a first electrode and a
second electrode. The first data line and the second data line
extend substantially in a first direction. The first switching
element is electrically connected to the scan line and the first
data line. The second switching element and the second data line
are electrically connected. The common electrode includes a first
body portion and first branch portions. The first body portion
extends substantially in the first direction. The first branch
portions are connected to the first body portions. The first
electrode is electrically connected to the first switching element.
The first electrode includes a second body portion and second
branch portions. The second branch portions are connected to the
second body portions. The first branch portions and the second
branch portions are substantially located between the first body
portion and the second body portion, and the first branch portions
and the second branch portions are alternately arranged in the
first direction. The second electrode is electrically connected to
the second switching element. The second electrode includes main
portions and at least one bridge portion. The main portions extend
substantially in the first direction. The at least one bridge
portion is connected to the main portions. The at least one bridge
portion and at least one of the first branch portions overlap in a
projection direction.
[0009] At least one embodiment of the invention provides a driving
method capable of switching display modes, including: providing a
display device including at least one pixel structure as described
above; performing a fast mode, including applying a first voltage
to the at least one first electrode, and not applying the first
voltage to the at least one second electrode and a common
electrode; and performing a general mode, including applying a
second voltage to the at least one second electrode, and not
applying the second voltage to the at least one first electrode and
the common electrode.
[0010] One of the objectives of the invention is to provide a pixel
structure capable of shortening liquid crystal response time of a
liquid crystal display panel.
[0011] One of the objectives of the invention is to provide a pixel
structure capable of increasing a light transmittance of a liquid
crystal display panel.
[0012] One of the objectives of the invention is to provide a
driving method capable of switching display modes including a fast
mode for short liquid crystal response time and a general mode for
high light transmittance. Therefore, the general mode for high
transmittance may be performed under the situation when fast liquid
crystal response time is not required so as to save power
consumption.
[0013] To make the above features and advantages of the invention
more comprehensible, embodiments accompanied with drawings are
described in detail as follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1A is a schematic top view of a pixel structure and
surrounding elements thereof according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 1B is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1A.
[0016] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in
FIG. 1A.
[0017] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in
FIG. 1A.
[0018] FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of a pixel structure and
surrounding elements thereof according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 3B is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3A.
[0020] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AN in
FIG. 3A.
[0021] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in
FIG. 3A.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a pixel structure and
surrounding elements thereof according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a driving method capable of
switching display modes according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 7A is a simulation of a partially dark area of a pixel
structure in a fast mode according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 7B is a simulation of a partially dark area of a pixel
structure in a general mode according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 8A is a simulation of a partially dark area of a pixel
structure in a fast mode according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] FIG. 8B is a simulation of a partially dark area of a pixel
structure in a general mode according to an embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The invention will have a more comprehensive description
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
embodiments of the invention are shown. As those skilled in the art
would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various
different ways, without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention.
[0029] The use of "electrically connected" in the text may mean
that at least two elements directly contact or indirectly
electrically contact with each other. The manner of being
indirectly electrically contact with each other is exemplified as
the elements are in physical contact or electrical contact with
each other via an intermediate element. The aforementioned
intermediate element may be a switch (for example, a thin film
transistor) or an element such as a resistor or a capacitor. The
use of "electrically connected" may also represent that at least
two elements operate or act on each other.
[0030] FIG. 1A is a schematic top view of a pixel structure and
surrounding elements thereof according to an embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 1B is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1A. For
convenience of description, FIG. 1B illustrates a common electrode,
a first electrode, and a second electrode, and omits other
components. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AN
in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB'
in FIG. 1A, wherein FIG. 1A omits some components in FIG. 2A and
FIG. 2B.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1A, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, a pixel structure
10 includes a scan line SL, a first data line DL1, a second data
line DL2, a first switching element T1, a second switching element
T2, a common electrode CE, a first electrode PE1, and a second
electrode PE2.
[0032] The first switching element T1 is electrically connected to
the scan line SL and the first data line DL1. The second switching
element T2 and the second data line DL2 are electrically connected.
The second switching element T2 and the scan line SL are
electrically connected, but the invention is not limited thereto.
In other embodiments, the second switching element T2 may be
electrically connected to another scan line. The first switching
element T3 is electrically connected to scan line SL' and the first
data line DL1. The second switching element T4 is electrically
connected to the second data line DL2. The second switching element
T4 is electrically connected to the scan line SL', but the
invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the second
switching element T4 may be electrically connected to another scan
line. The first switching element T3 and the second switching
element T4 are, for example, switching elements belonging to other
pixel structures adjacent to the pixel structure 10.
[0033] The first data line DL1, the second data line DL2, and the
first data line DL1' extend substantially along first direction E1.
The scan line SL and the scan line SL' extend substantially in
second direction E2, but the invention is not limited thereto. The
second direction E2 is substantially perpendicular to the first
direction E1, but the invention is not limited thereto.
[0034] In the embodiment, although the scan line SL, the scan line
SL', the first data line DL1, the first data line DL1' and the
second data line DL2 are, for example, linear, the present
invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the scan
line SL, the scan line SL', the first data line DL1, the first data
line DL1', and the second data line DL2 may be zigzag or other
shapes. The second data line DL2 is located between the first data
line DL1 and the first data line DL1', wherein the first data line
DL1' is, for example, a data line belonging to another pixel
structure adjacent to the pixel structure 10. In some embodiments,
a black matrix (not shown) covers the scan line SL, the first data
line DL1 and the second data line DL2, but the invention is not
limited thereto.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1A, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B together, the scan
line SL, the first data line DL1, the second data line DL2, the
first switching element T1, the second switching element T2, the
common electrode CE, the first electrode PE1, the second electrode
PE2, the first electrode PEP and the second electrode PET are
located on substrate SB, wherein the first electrode PEP (not shown
in FIG. 1A) and the second electrode PET (not shown in FIG. 1A)
are, for example, electrodes belonging to another pixel structure
adjacent to the pixel structure 10.
[0036] In the present embodiment, the first switching element T1
includes, for example, first gate G1A, second gate G1B, channel
layer CH1, source S1 and drain D1, wherein the first gate G1A and
the second gate G1B are electrically connected to the scan line SL,
and the source S1 is electrically connected to the first data line
DL1. First insulating layer I1 and light shading layer SM are
selectively disposed between the channel layer CH1 and the
substrate SB, wherein the light shading layer SM may improve
current leakage of the first switching element T1. The channel
layer CH1 overlaps the first gate G1A and the second gate G1B.
Second insulating layer I2 is interposed between the channel layer
CH1 and the first gate G1A and between the channel layer CH1 and
the second gate G1B. Third insulating layer I3 is formed on the
second insulating layer I2, the first gate G1A and the second gate
G1B. The source S1 and the drain D1 are formed on the third
insulating layer I3, and are respectively electrically connected to
the channel layer CH1 by opening O1 and opening O2. The opening O1,
for example, penetrates the second insulating layer I2 and the
third insulating layer I3. The opening O2, for example, penetrates
the second insulating layer I2 and the third insulating layer
I3.
[0037] Fourth insulating layer I4 is formed on the third insulating
layer I3, the source S1 and the drain D1. In the present
embodiment, the common electrode CE and the first electrode PE1 are
formed on the fourth insulating layer I4. The first electrode PE1
is electrically connected to the drain D1 of the first switching
element T1. In the present embodiment, the first electrode PE1 is
electrically connected to the drain D1 through opening H1 of the
fourth insulating layer I4. The opening H1, for example, overlaps
the opening O2, but the invention is not limited thereto.
[0038] The second switching element T2 includes, for example, first
gate G2A, second gate G2B, channel layer CH2, source S2 and drain
D2, wherein the first gate G2A and the second gate G2B are
electrically connected to the scan line SL, and the source S2 is
electrically connected to the second data line DL2. In the present
embodiment, although the first switching element T1 and the second
switching element T2 are both electrically connected to the same
scan line SL, the invention is not limited thereto. In other
embodiments, the first switching element T1 and the second
switching element T2 may be electrically connected to different
scan lines.
[0039] The first insulating layer I1 and the light shading layer SM
are selectively disposed between the channel layer CH2 and the
substrate SB, wherein the light shading layer SM may improve the
current leakage of the second switching element T2. The channel
layer CH2 overlaps the first gate G2A and the second gate G2B. The
second insulating layer I2 is interposed between the channel layer
CH2 and the first gate G2A and between the channel layer CH2 and
the second gate G2B. The third insulating layer I3 is formed on the
second insulating layer I2, the first gate G2A and the second gate
G2B. The source S2 and the drain D2 are formed on the third
insulating layer I3, and are respectively electrically connected to
the channel layer CH2 by opening O3 and opening O4. The opening O3,
for example, penetrates the second insulating layer I2 and the
third insulating layer I3. The opening O4, for example, penetrates
the second insulating layer I2 and the third insulating layer
I3.
[0040] The fourth insulating layer I4 is formed on the third
insulating layer I3, the source S2 and the drain D2. The second
electrode PE2 is electrically connected to the drain D2 of the
second switching element T2. In the present embodiment, the drain
D2 and the second electrode PE2 may be integrally formed by a
single layer and directly connected, but the invention is not
limited thereto. The common electrode CE and the first electrode
PE1 are formed on the fourth insulating layer I4. A fifth
insulating layer I5 is formed on the first electrode PE1, the
common electrode CE and the fourth insulation layer I4. The second
electrode PE2 is formed on the fifth insulating layer I5. The
second electrode PE2, the first electrode PE1, and the common
electrode CE are separated from each other. In the present
embodiment, opening H2 penetrates the fourth insulating layer I4
and the fifth insulating layer I5. The second electrode PE2 is
electrically connected to the second switching element T2 through
the opening H2. The opening H2, for example, overlaps the opening
O4, but the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments,
the drain D2 and the second electrode PE2 may be respectively
formed by different conductive layers. The opening H2 and the
opening O4 may not overlap.
[0041] In the present embodiment, the channel layer CH1 and the
channel layer CH2 are, for example, L-shaped, but the invention is
not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the channel layer CH1
and the channel layer CH2 may be U-shaped or other shapes.
[0042] In the present embodiment, the first switching element T1
and the second switching element T2 are, for example, top gate type
thin film transistors, but the invention is not limited thereto.
The first switching element T1 and the second switching element T2
may be bottom gate type thin film transistors or other types of
switching elements. In the present embodiment, each of the first
switching element T1 and the second switching element T2 includes
two gates, but the invention is not limited thereto. In other
embodiments, each of the first switching element T1 and the second
switching element T2 includes only one gate.
[0043] The common electrode CE is formed on the fourth insulating
layer I4. The common electrode CE includes at least two of the
first body portions and at least two of the first branch portions.
Referring to FIG. 1B, first body portions 110A and 110B extend
substantially in the first direction E1. First branch portions 120A
and 120B are located between the first body portions 110A and 110B.
The first branch portions 120A and 120B are respectively connected
to the corresponding first body portions 110A and 110B. The first
branch portion 120A, for example, extends in a direction from the
first body portion 110A towards the first body portion 110B. The
first branch portion 120B, for example, extends in a direction from
the first body portion 110B towards the first body portion 110A. In
some exemplary embodiments, a width of the first branch portion
120A gradually decreases along a direction away from the first body
portion 110A, and a width of the first branch portion 120B
gradually decreases along a direction away from the first body
portion 110B. In some exemplary embodiments, a shape of each of the
first branch portions 120A and 120B includes, for example, a
trapezoid, a triangle, or other geometric shapes. Referring to FIG.
1A and FIG. 1B together, the first body portion 110A and the first
body portion 110B are electrically connected at least by
intermediary portion 130. The intermediary portion 130 is, for
example, directly connected between the first body portion 110A and
the first body portion 110B. A length of the intermediary portion
130 is greater than a length of the first branch portion 120A and a
length of the first branch portion 120B. The intermediary portion
130, for example, overlaps the scan line SL or the scan line SL'.
The intermediary portion 130 is, for example, parallel to the scan
lines SL or SL', but the invention is not limited thereto.
[0044] The first electrode PE1 is formed on the fourth insulating
layer I4. The first electrode PE1 is separate from the common
electrode CE. The first electrode PE1 includes a second body
portion and at least two second branch portions. Referring to FIG.
1B, second body portion 210 is located between the first body
portion 110A and the first body portion 110B, and extends
substantially in the first direction E1. The second branch portions
220A and 220B are correspondingly electrically connected to two
opposite sides of the second body portion 210 and extend outwards.
The second branch portions 220A and 220B, for example, respectively
extend towards the first body portions 110A and 110B. The second
branch portions 220A and 220B are, for example, aligned with
respect to the second body portion 210. The adjacent second branch
portion 220A and second branch portion 220B are, for example,
mirror-symmetrical to each other with respect to the second body
portion 210. Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B together, the second
body portion 210, for example, overlaps the second data line DL2 in
a projection direction E3. A width of the second body portion 210
is, for example, greater than a width of the second data line DL2,
but the invention is not limited thereto. The projection direction
E3, for example, is perpendicular to the substrate SB.
[0045] The second branch portion 220A includes extending portion
222A and trapezoid structure 224A. The extending portion 222A
extends substantially in a second direction E2. A width of the
extending portion 222A, for example, gradually decreases along a
direction away from the second body portion 210. The trapezoid
structure 224A is connected between the second body portion 210 and
the extending portion 222A. A width of the trapezoid structure
224A, for example, gradually increases along a direction away from
the second body portion 210. The second branch portion 220B
includes extending portion 222B and trapezoid structure 224B. The
extending portion 222B extends substantially in the second
direction E2. A width of the extending portion 222B, for example,
gradually decreases along a direction away from the second body
portion 210. The trapezoid structure 224B is connected between the
second body portion 210 and the extending portion 222B. A width of
the trapezoid structure 224B, for example, gradually increases in a
direction away from the second body portion 210.
[0046] When the first electrode PE1 of the pixel structure 10 is
used to drive a liquid crystal located thereon, since the trapezoid
structure 224A and the trapezoid structure 224B are respectively
connected between the second body portion 210 and the extending
portion 222A and between the second body portion 210 and the
extending portion 222B, an electric field may be more concentrated
at a location near the second body portion 210, such that the
portion with poor liquid crystal efficiency of the liquid crystal
layer (not shown) can be restricted at the location near the second
body portion 210. In addition, since the second body portion 210
overlaps the second data line DL2, the second data line DL2 may
further shield most of the aforementioned portion with poor liquid
crystal efficiency, thereby increasing the liquid crystal
efficiency of the entire liquid crystal display panel.
[0047] In the present embodiment, the common electrode CE and the
first electrode PE1 are, for example, formed by a same patterned
conductive layer. In other words, the common electrode CE and the
first electrode PE1 are formed in the same patterning process, but
the invention is not limited thereto.
[0048] The second electrode PE2 includes at least two main portions
and at least one bridge portion. Main portions 310A and 310B extend
substantially in the first direction E1. In some embodiments, the
first body portions 110A and 110B respectively overlap the main
portions 310A and 310B. The first body portion 110A and its
adjacent main portion 310A may be separated by distance F1. The
first body portion 110B and its adjacent main portion 310B may be
separated by distance F2. Each of the distance F1 and the distance
F2 is from 0 microns to 5 microns. In some embodiments, the second
body portion 210 is separated from its adjacent main portion 310A
(or main portion 310B) by distance F3, and the distance F3 is from
10 microns to 30 microns.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B together, each of the main
portions 310A and 310B overlaps the first data line DL1 or the
second data line DL2 in the projection direction E3. In the present
embodiment, the first data line DL1 and the first data line DL1'
respectively overlap the main portion 310A and the main portion
310B in the projection direction E3, but the invention is not
limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first data line DL1 and
the first data line DL1' respectively overlap the first body
portion 110A and the first body portion 110B in the projection
direction E3. In some embodiments, the main portion 310A and the
main portion 310B respectively partially overlap the first body
portion 110A and the first body portion 110B in the projection
direction E3.
[0050] The bridge portion 320 is located between the main portions
310A and 310B, and electrically connects the main portions 310A and
310B. The bridge portion 320 overlaps at least one of the first
branch portions 120A and 120B in the projection direction E3. In
the present embodiment, the bridge portion 320 partially overlaps
the first branch portions 120A and 120B in the projection direction
E3. In other words, the bridge portion 320 does not completely
overlap the first branch portions 120A and 120B in the projection
direction E3, and the bridge portion 320 exposes a portion of the
first branch portion 120A and a portion of the first branch portion
120B in the projection direction E3. The bridge portion 320 does
not overlap at least one of the second branch portions 220A and
220B in the projection direction E3. In the present embodiment, the
bridge portion 320 does not overlap the second branch portions 220A
and 220B in the projection direction E3.
[0051] The bridge portion 320 includes two main connecting portions
322A and 322B that are electrically connected to each other. The
main connecting portion 322A includes first connecting portion
3222A, second connecting portion 3224A, and third connecting
portion 3226A that are sequentially connected. The main connecting
portion 322B includes first connecting portion 3222B, second
connecting portion 3224B, and third connecting portion 3226B that
are sequentially connected. The first connecting portions 3222A and
3222B are respectively connected to the corresponding main portions
310A and 310B. A width of the second connecting portion 3224A, for
example, gradually decreases along a direction approaching the
third connecting portion 3226A, and a width of the second
connecting portion 3224B, for example, gradually decreases along a
direction approaching the third connecting portion 3226B. For
example, the angle formed between the sidewall of any one of the
second connecting portions 3224A and 3224B close to the scan line
SL and the second direction E2 is about 2 degrees. The angle formed
between the sidewall of any one of the second connecting portions
3224A and 3224B away from the scan line SL and the second direction
E2 is about 4 degrees, but the invention is not limited
thereto.
[0052] The third connecting portions 3226A and 3226B of the main
connecting portions 322A and 322B are overlapped the second body
portion 210 in the projection direction E3, and are connected to
each other to form convex portion P and concave portion C disposed
opposite to each other.
[0053] The extending direction A1 of the first connecting portion
3222A is, for example, different from the extending direction A2 of
the second connecting portion 3224A. The extending direction A2 of
the second connecting portion 3224A is, for example, different from
the extending direction A3 of the third connecting portion 3226A.
The extending direction B1 of the first connecting portion 3222B
is, for example, different from the extending direction B2 of the
second connecting portion 3224B. The extending direction B2 of the
second connecting portion 3224B is, for example, different from the
extending direction B3 of the third connecting portion 3226B. When
using the second electrode PE2 of the pixel structure 10 to drive a
liquid crystal located thereon, since the extending directions A1
and A3 of the first connecting portion 3222A and the third
connecting portion 3226A are different from the extending direction
A2 of the second connecting portion 3224A, and the extending
directions B1 and B3 of the first connecting portion 3222B and the
third connecting portion 3226B are different from the extending
direction B2 of the second connecting portion 3224B, an electric
field may be more concentrated at a location near the first body
portions 110A, 110B and/or the second body portion 210, such that
the portion with poor liquid crystal efficiency of the liquid
crystal layer (not shown) can be restricted at the location near
the first body portions 110A, 110B and/or the second body portion
210. In addition, the second data line DL2 or a black matrix (not
shown) may be used to further shield most of the aforementioned
portion with poor liquid crystal efficiency, thereby increasing the
liquid crystal efficiency of the entire liquid crystal display
panel.
[0054] In general, if rise time and decay time of a liquid crystal
are shorter, the liquid crystal response time is shorter. [Formula
1] is an equation for a liquid crystal rise time (.tau..sub.rise)
and [Equation 2] is an equation for a liquid crystal decay time
(.tau..sub.decay).
.tau. rise = .gamma. 1 [ .DELTA. E 2 4 .pi. - K 1 .pi. 2 d 2 - K 2
.pi. 2 l 2 ] [ Formula 1 ] .tau. decay = .gamma. 1 [ K 1 .pi. 2 d 2
+ K 2 .pi. 2 l 2 ] [ Formula 2 ] ##EQU00001##
[0055] In [Formula 1] and [Formula 2], .gamma..sub.1 represents a
rotational viscosity, E represents an electric field strength, d
represents a thickness of a liquid crystal layer, K.sub.1 and
K.sub.2 are elastic constants of the liquid crystal, and
.DELTA..epsilon. represents a dielectric constant difference of the
liquid crystal. l is a vertical distance between two dark areas
when an external electric field is applied to the liquid crystal
layer, and l represents a domain size of the pixel structure. When
the domain size l of the pixel structure is smaller, the liquid
crystal response time is shorter.
[0056] In the present embodiment, when first voltage is applied to
the first electrode PE1 and the first voltage is not applied to the
second electrode PE2 and the common electrode CE, the domain size
of the pixel structure 10 may be regarded as L1. When second
voltage is applied to the second electrode PE2 and the second
voltage is not applied to the first electrode PE1 and the common
electrode CE, the domain size of the pixel structure 10 may be
regarded as L2. Since the bridge portion 320 partially overlaps the
first branch portions 120A and 120B in the projection direction E3
to create the aforementioned effect, L1 is smaller than L2.
[0057] In other words, when the first voltage is applied to the
first electrode PE1 and the first voltage is not applied to the
second electrode PE2 and the common electrode CE, due to the
smaller domain size L1, the pixel structure 10 has an advantage of
shortening the liquid crystal response time of the liquid crystal
display panel. When the second voltage is applied to the second
electrode PE2 and the second voltage is not applied to the first
electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE, the domain size L2 is
larger, and the liquid crystal layer may have a higher light
transmittance. Therefore, when fast liquid crystal response time is
not required, the pixel structure 10 may be operated in a mode for
higher light transmittance, so as to save power consumption.
[0058] FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of a pixel structure and
surrounding elements thereof according to an embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 3B is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3A, wherein
FIG. 3B illustrates a common electrode, a first electrode, and a
second electrode, and omits other components. FIG. 4A is a
cross-sectional view taken along line AN in FIG. 3A. FIG. 4B is a
cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 3A, wherein FIG.
3A omits some components in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B.
[0059] Here, it should be noted that the disclosure of FIG. 3A,
FIG. 3B, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B follow the reference numerals and the
part of the content of the disclosure of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2A
and FIG. 2B, wherein the same or similar reference numerals are
used to represent the same or similar elements, and descriptions of
the same technical content are omitted. Regarding the descriptions
of the omitted portions, references may be made to the
aforementioned embodiments and the details are not repeated
herein.
[0060] The main difference between pixel structure 20 of FIG. 3A
and pixel structure 10 of FIG. 1A lies in that the shapes of the
common electrode CE, the first electrode PE1 and the second
electrode PE2 of the pixel structure 20 are different from the
shapes of the common electrode CE, the first electrode PE1, and the
second electrode PE2 of the pixel structure 10.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B, the
pixel structure 20 includes scan line SL, first data line DL1,
second data line DL2, first switching element T1, second switching
element T2, common electrode CE, first electrode PE1 and second
electrode PE2.
[0062] The common electrode CE includes first body portion and
first branch portions. Referring to FIG. 3B, the first body portion
110 extends substantially in the first direction E1. The first
branch portion 120 is connected to the first body portion 110. The
first branch portion 120 extends substantially in the second
direction E2, but the invention is not limited thereto. In some
embodiments, the width of the first branch portion 120 gradually
decreases along a direction away from the first body portion 110.
In some embodiments, the shape of the first branch portion 120
includes, for example, a trapezoid, a triangle, or other geometric
shapes.
[0063] The first electrode PE1 is electrically connected to the
drain D1 of the first switching element T1. The first electrode PE1
includes second body portion and second branch portions. Referring
to FIG. 3B, the second body portion 210 extends substantially in
the first direction E1. The second branch portion 220 is connected
to the second body portion 210. In the present embodiment, the
second branch portion 220 extends substantially in the second
direction E2, but the invention is not limited thereto. In some
embodiments, a width of the second branch portion 220 gradually
decreases along a direction away from the second body portion 210.
In some exemplary embodiments, the shape of the second branch
portion 220 includes, for example, a trapezoid, a triangle, or
other geometric shapes.
[0064] The first branch portion 120 and the second branch portion
220 are substantially located between the first body portion 110
and the second body portion 120. The first branch portion 120 and
the second branch portion 220 are alternately arranged in the first
direction E1.
[0065] The second data line DL2 and the first body portion 110, for
example, extend substantially in the first direction E1. The second
data line DL2 overlaps the first body portion 110 in the projection
direction E3, but the invention is not limited thereto. In some
exemplary embodiments, the second data line DL2, for example,
overlaps the first body portion 110 and the first branch portion
120 in the projection direction E3, but the second data line DL2
does not overlap the second branch portion 220 in the projection
direction E3. In some exemplary embodiments, the second data line
DL2, for example, overlaps the first body portion 110, the first
branch portion 120, and the second branch portion 220 in the
projection direction E3. In some exemplary embodiments, a distance
between the second data line DL2 and the first data line DL1 is
approximately equal to a distance between the second data line DL2
and the first data line DL1', and a distance between the second
data line DL2 and the first body portion 110 is approximately equal
to a distance between the second data line DL2 and the second body
portion 210. In other words, the second data line DL2 does not
overlap the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 210
in the projection direction E3, but the second data line DL2
overlaps the first branch portion 120 and the second branch portion
220 in the projection direction E3. In this way, more study of
designing small gap between the second data line DL2 and the first
data line DL1' may be avoided, and therefore pixel structures 20
can be arranged in a higher concentration way.
[0066] In the present embodiment, the common electrode CE and the
first electrode PE1 are, for example, formed by a same patterned
conductive layer. In other words, the common electrode CE and the
first electrode PE1 are formed in the same patterning process, but
the invention is not limited thereto.
[0067] The second electrode PE2 is electrically connected to the
drain D2 of the second switching element T2. In the present
embodiment, the second electrode PE2 and the drain D2 belong to
different conductive film layers, but the invention is not limited
thereto. The second electrode PE2 includes at least two main
portions and at least one bridge portion. Referring to FIG. 3B, the
main portions 310A and 310B extend substantially in the first
direction E1, and the bridge portion 320 is connected to the main
portions 310A and 310B. In the present embodiment, the bridge
portion 320 overlaps the first branch portion 120 in the projection
direction E3. The bridge portion 320 exposes a portion of the first
branch portion 120 in the projection direction E3. The bridge
portion 320 does not overlap at least one of the second branch
portions 220 in the projection direction E3. In the present
embodiment, the bridge portion 320 does not overlap the second
branch portions 220 in the projection direction E3, but the
invention is not limited thereto.
[0068] The bridge portion 320 includes the first connecting portion
3222, the second connecting portion 3224, and the third connecting
portion 3226 that are sequentially connected. The first connecting
portion 3222 is closer to the first body portion 110 than the
second connecting portion 3224, and the width of the second
connecting portion 3224 gradually decreases along a direction away
from the first body portion 110. The first connecting portion 3222
overlaps the first body portion 110 in the projection direction E3,
but does not overlap the second body portion 210, the first branch
portion 120 and/or the second branch portion 220. The third
connecting portion 3226 overlaps the second body portion 210 in the
projection direction E3, but does not overlap the first body
portion 110 and does not overlap the first branch portion 120
and/or the second branch portion 220, but the invention is not
limited thereto.
[0069] The extending direction C1 of the first connecting portion
3222 is, for example, different from the extending direction C2 of
the second connecting portion 3224. The extending direction C2 of
the second connecting portion 3224 is, for example, different from
the extending direction C3 of the third connecting portion 3226.
When the second electrode PE1 of the pixel structure 20 is used to
drive a liquid crystal located thereon, since the extending
directions of the first connecting portion 3222 and the third
connecting portion 3226 are different from the extending direction
of the second connecting portion 3224, an electric field may be
more concentrated at a location near the first body portion 110
and/or the second body portion 210, such that the portion with poor
liquid crystal efficiency of the liquid crystal layer (not shown)
can be restricted at the location near the first body portion 110
and/or the second body portion 210, and no more tautology here.
[0070] In the present embodiment, when first voltage is applied to
the first electrode PE1 and the first voltage is not applied to the
second electrode PE2 and the common electrode CE, a domain size of
the pixel structure 20 may be regarded as L1. When second voltage
is applied to the second electrode PE2 and the second voltage is
not applied to the first electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE,
a domain size of the pixel structure 20 may be regarded as L2.
Since the bridge portion 320 overlaps the first branch portion 120
in the projection direction E3, L1 is smaller than L2.
[0071] In other words, when the first voltage is applied to the
first electrode PE1 and the first voltage is not applied to the
second electrode PE2 and the common electrode CE, since the domain
size L1 is smaller, and the pixel structure 20 has an advantage of
shortening the liquid crystal response time of the liquid crystal
display panel. When the second voltage is applied to the second
electrode PE2, and the second voltage is not applied to the first
electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE, the domain size L2 is
larger, and the liquid crystal layer may have a higher light
transmittance. Therefore, when fast liquid crystal response time is
not required, the pixel structure 20 may be operated in a mode for
higher light transmittance, so as to save power consumption.
[0072] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a pixel structure and
surrounding elements thereof according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0073] Here, it should be noted that the embodiment of FIG. 5
follows the reference numerals and part of the content of the
disclosure of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, wherein the
same or similar reference numerals are used to represent the same
or similar elements, and descriptions of the same technical content
are omitted. Regarding the descriptions of the omitted portions,
references may be made to the aforementioned embodiments and the
details are not repeated herein.
[0074] The main difference between a pixel structure 30 of FIG. 5
and the pixel structure 10 of FIG. 1A lies in that the second data
line DL2 of the pixel structure 30 is disposed at a position
different from that of the second data line DL2 of the pixel
structure 10. The common electrode CE, the first electrode PE1, and
the second electrode PE2 of FIG. 5 are similar to those of FIG.
1B.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 1B, the pixel structure 30
includes scan line SL, first data line DL1, second data line DL2,
first switching element T1, second switching element T2, common
electrode CE, first electrode PE1, and second electrode PE2. The
first data line DL1 and the second data line DL2 extend
substantially in a first direction E1. The first switching element
T1 is electrically connected to the scan line SL and the first data
line DLL The second switching element T2 and the second data line
DL2 are electrically connected. The common electrode CE includes
the first body portions 110A and 110B and the first branch portions
120A and 120B. The first body portions 110A and 110B extend
substantially in the first direction E1. The first branch portions
120A and 120B are respectively connected to the corresponding first
body portions 110A and 110B. The first electrode PE1 is
electrically connected to the first switching element T1. The first
electrode PE1 includes a second body portion 210 and second branch
portions 220A and 220B. The second body portion 210 is located
between the first body portions 110A and 110B, and extends
substantially in the first direction E1. The second branch portions
220A and 220B are correspondingly electrically connected to two
opposite sides of the second body portion 210 and extend outwards.
The second electrode PE2 is electrically connected to the second
switching element T2. The second electrode PE2 includes main
portions 310A and 310B and bridge portion 320. The main portions
310A and 310B extend substantially in the first direction E1. The
bridge portion 320 is electrically connected to the main portions
310A and 310B. The bridge portion 320 overlaps at least one of the
first branch portions 120A and 120B in the projection direction E3.
The bridge portion 320 does not overlap at least one of the second
branch portions 220A and 220B in the projection direction E3.
[0076] In the embodiment, the second data line DL2 of the pixel
structure 30 is disposed adjacent to the first data line DL1',
wherein the first data line DL1' is, for example, a data line
belonging to other pixel structure adjacent to the pixel structure
30. The second data line DL2, for example, overlaps the first body
portion 110B of the common electrode CE and/or the main portion
310B of the second electrode PE2. In the present embodiment, the
second data line DL2 does not overlap the first electrode PE1, the
first body portion 110A and the first branch portion 120A in the
projection direction E3, but may selectively overlaps the first
body portion 110B and/or the first branch portion 120B.
[0077] In the present embodiment, when first voltage is applied to
the first electrode PE1 and the first voltage is not applied to the
second electrode PE2 and the common electrode CE, a domain size of
the pixel structure 30 may be regarded as L1. When second voltage
is applied to the second electrode PE2 and the second voltage is
not applied to the first electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE,
a domain size of the pixel structure 30 may be regarded as L2.
Since the bridge portion 320 and the first branch portions 120A and
120B overlap in the projection direction E3, L1 is smaller than
L2.
[0078] In other words, when the first voltage is applied to the
first electrode PE1 and the first voltage is not applied to the
second electrode PE2 and the common electrode CE, since the domain
size L1 is smaller, and the pixel structure 30 has an advantage of
shortening the liquid crystal response time of the liquid crystal
display panel. When the second voltage is applied to the second
electrode PE2 and the second voltage is not applied to the first
electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE, the domain size L2 is
larger, and the liquid crystal layer may have higher light
transmittance. Therefore, when fast liquid crystal response time is
not required, the pixel structure 30 may be operated in a mode for
higher light transmittance, so as to save power consumption.
[0079] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a driving method capable of
switching display modes according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0080] Here, it should be noted that the embodiment of FIG. 6
follows the reference numbers and part of the content of the
aforementioned embodiments, wherein the same or similar reference
numerals are used to represent the same or similar elements, and
descriptions of the same technical content are omitted. Regarding
the descriptions of the omitted portions, references may be made to
the aforementioned embodiments and the details are not repeated
herein.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, a driving method capable of switching
display modes includes step X1, step X2 and step X3.
[0082] Step X1 includes providing a display device, wherein the
display device includes at least a pixel structure of any one of
the aforementioned embodiments.
[0083] Step X2 includes performing a fast mode. The step of
performing the fast mode includes: applying a first voltage to the
first electrode PE1 of the pixel structure, and not applying the
first voltage to the second electrode PE2 and the common electrode
CE of the pixel structure. In some embodiments, the step of
performing the fast mode further includes applying a third voltage
to the second electrode PE2 and the common electrode CE of the
pixel structure.
[0084] In some embodiments, when performing the fast mode, the
first voltage is greater than 0 volts and smaller than 7 volts, and
the third voltage is 0 volts. In some embodiments, when performing
the fast mode, no voltage is applied to the second electrode PE2
and the common electrode CE of the pixel structure. The voltage on
each of the first electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE of the
pixel structure is, for example, 0 volts.
[0085] Step X3 includes performing a general mode. The step of
performing the general mode includes: applying a second voltage to
the second electrode PE2 of the pixel structure, and not applying
the second voltage to the first electrode PE1 and the common
electrode CE of the pixel structure. In some embodiments, the step
of performing the general mode further includes applying a third
voltage to the first electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE of
the pixel structure.
[0086] In some embodiments, when the general mode is performed, the
second voltage is 0 volts, and the third voltage is greater than 0
volts and smaller than 7 volts. In some embodiments, when
performing the general mode, no voltage is applied to the first
electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE of the pixel structure,
and the voltage on the first electrode PE1 and the common electrode
CE in the pixel structure is, for example, 0 volts.
[0087] In the embodiment, the fast mode of the display device may
be first performed, and then followed by switching the display
device to the general mode, but the invention is not limited
thereto. In other exemplary embodiments, the general mode is first
performed, and then followed by switching the display device to the
fast mode. In other words, the invention does not limit the
chronological order of the fast mode and the general mode.
[0088] In the embodiment, when the first voltage is applied to the
first electrode PE1 and the first voltage is not applied to the
second electrode PE2 and the common electrode CE, the pixel
structure has the advantage of shortening the liquid crystal
response time of the liquid crystal display panel. In other words,
when performing the fast mode, the display device may have a higher
frame per second (FPS), and smoother and continuous images can be
displayed. In general, FPS is used to describe how many frames per
second are played in a movie, an electronic drawing, or a game.
[0089] In the present embodiment, when the second voltage is
applied to the second electrode PE2 and the second voltage is not
applied to the first electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE, the
greater the vertical distance between two dark areas, the higher
the light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer. In other
words, when performing the general mode of the display device, the
display device can display sufficient brightness without requiring
very high power consumption.
[0090] Based on the foregoing, the power consumption of the display
device in the general mode is lower than the power consumption of
the display device in the fast mode. Therefore, the operation mode
for high transmittance may be performed under the situation when
fast liquid crystal response time is not required so as to save
power consumption. On the other hand, when a short liquid crystal
response time is required, the display device may be switched to
the fast mode, thereby increasing the frames per second.
[0091] FIG. 7A is a simulation of a partially dark area of a pixel
structure in a fast mode according to an embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 7B is a simulation of a partially dark area of a
pixel structure in a general mode according to an embodiment of the
invention. The pixel structure of FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B is, for
example, similar to the pixel structure of FIG. 1A.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B together, when performing
the fast mode or the general mode of the display device, a dark
area will appear at locations corresponding to the first branch
portions and the second branch portions of the pixel structure.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 7A, when performing the fast mode, a width
of the dark area is larger, that is, a domain size of the pixel
structure is smaller. Since the domain size is smaller, the pixel
structure has an advantage of shortening the liquid crystal
response time of the liquid crystal display panel.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 7B, when performing the general mode, a
width of the dark area is smaller, that is, a domain size of the
pixel structure is larger. The liquid crystal layer has a higher
light transmittance.
[0095] Therefore, the general mode for high transmittance may be
performed under the situation when fast liquid crystal response
time is not required so as to save power consumption.
[0096] FIG. 8A is a simulation of a partially dark area of a pixel
structure in a fast mode according to an embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 8B is a simulation of a partially dark area of a
pixel structure in a general mode according to an embodiment of the
invention. The pixel structure of FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B is, for
example, similar to the pixel structure of FIG. 3A.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B together, when performing
the fast mode or the general mode of the display device, a dark
area may appear in locations corresponding to the first branch
portions and the second branch portions of the pixel structure.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 8A, when performing the fast mode, a width
of the dark area is larger, that is, the domain size of the pixel
structure is smaller. Since the domain size is smaller, the pixel
structure has an advantage of shortening the liquid crystal
response time of the liquid crystal display panel.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 8B, when performing the general mode, a
width of the dark area is smaller, that is, the domain size of the
pixel structure is larger. The liquid crystal layer may have a
higher light transmittance.
[0100] Therefore, the general mode for high transmittance may be
performed under the situation when fast liquid crystal response
time is not required so as to save power consumption.
[0101] Although the invention has been described with reference to
the above embodiments, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art that modifications to the described embodiments may be
made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention will be defined by the
attached claims and not by the above detailed descriptions.
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